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We are back with another exciting WWE News Roundup. A top SmackDown star will likely return to action next month.
An NXT star has revealed his thoughts on a potential storyline with Roman Reigns' faction. Meanwhile, Vince McMahon recently addressed AEW's standing as WWE's possible competitor.
Not too long ago, Liv Morgan said she was "pushing for" a women's tournament that will reportedly take place later this year. Additionally, a current titleholder has spoken about Charlotte Flair "giving back" to the business.
With that in mind, let's dive straight into the latest WWE News Roundup.
#5 Sasha Banks is being advertised for a WWE event in August
The last match featuring Sasha Banks took place on the first night of this year's WrestleMania event. She defended her SmackDown Women's Championship against Bianca Belair in the main event.
Both stars put on one of the best women's WrestleMania matches of all time, as Belair won her first title in WWE at the end of the night.
Sasha Banks hasn't been involved in a major storyline since then. Now that WWE has recently returned to live touring, Banks is being advertised for an event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, next month.
The August 13 show from the BOK Center is set to feature Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair, and Rey Mysterio as well:
"WWE is back on the road with John Cena! For one night only, see your favorite SmackDown superstars at BOK Center on Friday, August 13. Lineup includes: SmackDown Universal Champion Roman Reigns, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Rey Mysterio, Sasha Banks and many more!"
While the card is subject to change, it would make sense to bring back Sasha Banks ahead of the August 21 WWE pay-per-view — SummerSlam.
The Legit Boss hasn't yet had a rematch for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Could she renew her rivalry with Bianca Belair on the road to SummerSlam 2021? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
#4 WWE NXT's Bronson Reed "wouldn't be against" fighting Roman Reigns and The Usos
Samoan Australian WWE star Bronson Reed is open to the possibility of working with The Bloodline (Roman Reigns and The Usos).
During a recent interview with The Sportster's Denise Salcedo, the former NXT North American Champion said he wouldn't mind fighting or aligning with The Bloodline at some point in WWE.
Reed also expressed the intention behind a recent tweet, through which he pitched to become the faction's mid-card champion on WWE SmackDown:
"Well I think a lot of people online fantasy book that. So I just like to feed their ego a little bit, {laughs} stir the pot a little bit." Bronson Reed continued, "But I would not be against aligning myself with those guys. I’ve met them, they are someone that I feel I can definitely work with, but at the same time I wouldn’t be against fighting those guys as well."
Meanwhile, Roman Reigns is currently in a storyline with John Cena on WWE SmackDown. While the two are expected to clash at SummerSlam, the Universal Champion surprisingly declined Cena's challenge not too long ago.
Instead, a match between Reigns and Finn Balor will take place soon. John Cena probably won't step away from the Universal title picture that easily, as it sounds like a highly newsworthy scenario to pass up on at this stage.
#3 WWE Chairman Vince McMahon doesn't consider AEW on the same level of competition as WCW
Back in the 1990s, WCW and WWE had one big war over ratings supremacy. In the end, WCW couldn't defeat WWE, which allowed Vince McMahon to gradually develop his company into the leading sports entertainment brand we know today.
More recently, Tony Khan's AEW has a roster that features some popular performers. Moreover, their flagship show's increasing viewership in the 18-49 demographic has made headlines lately.
During WWE's Q2 2021 earnings call, Vince McMahon was asked if the sports entertainment giant would attempt to counter AEW's "rising tide." The WWE Chairman seemingly dismissed competition from AEW, while also taking a shot at Tony Khan for frequently recruiting former WWE stars.
“Well, it certainly is not a situation where ‘rising tides’ because that was when Ted Turner was coming after us with all of Time Warner’s assets as well. That was a different situation." Vince McMahon added, "AEW is where they are. I don’t really know what their plans are, all I know is what our plans are. I don’t consider them competition in the way that I would consider WCW back in the day, not anywhere near close to that. And I’m not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned, but perhaps we can give them some more."
What are your thoughts on Vince McMahon's recent comments about AEW?
While AEW's growth has become more apparent lately, do you think the Tony Khan-led promotion has the potential to overtake WWE somewhere down the road?
#2 Liv Morgan wants to become WWE's Queen of the Ring
As per reports, WWE will hold a Queen of the Ring tournament in October 2021. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is expected to be the location for the finals.
During a recent interview with WWE Deutschland, Liv Morgan expressed her wish to win the Money in the Bank briefcase despite coming up short this year. She would love to have a SummerSlam moment, and Morgan aims to win the women's Royal Rumble match as well.
The WWE SmackDown star also spoke about her Queen of the Ring aspirations:
"Liv Morgan as Queen of the Ring sounds amazing so that’s something I’m definitely pushing for. I’d love to be in another Elimination Chamber match." Liv Morgan continued, "Any opportunity to prove myself in dangerous situations, I’m totally in. I’d love to compete [at] SummerSlam. SummerSlam’s coming up and so I’m hoping to have a really cool moment for SummerSlam. Pretty much any accolade you could have in WWE, I’m looking at it."
If WWE's Queen of the Ring tournament does take place this year, which superstar should win it, in your opinion?
#1 "She’s really incredible at giving back" - Natalya on Charlotte Flair's current WWE status
Charlotte Flair has been a leading presence in the WWE women's division for years. She is an 11-time main-roster women’s champion, and her latest title reign came to an end thanks to Nikki A.S.H.
During a recent interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling's Rick Ucchino, WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Natalya responded to the criticism Flair receives for being frequently pushed as a competitor.
The Queen of Harts recalled how she helped Charlotte Flair during the latter's NXT days. Several years later, Natalya feels that the 35-year-old star is "giving back" to the industry by helping other women to shine on-screen.
“Listen, in the women’s division, it’s a dog eat dog world, or should I say cat eat cat,” said Natalya. “It’s tough. All of us are vying for an opportunity and everybody wants to be front and center. This industry really is about paying it forward, and what I was able to help Charlotte do in NXT, it’s cool to see her give back and pay it forward. She’s really incredible at giving back, so it’s nice to be able to watch somebody else.”
“Charlotte’s in the role of a bad girl right now, a villain on TV, so every now and then the good guys win, and so it’s cool to see Nikki get that opportunity and Charlotte pay it forward,” added Natalya.
At SummerSlam 2021, Nikki A.S.H. will defend her WWE RAW Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match.
How long do you think Nikki can hold on to her title?
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda Wrestling for more WWE news and updates.
